I dug out my dad's Separation Qualification Record, a document I hadn't looked at for a long time. It gives Nov. 7, 1941 as a date of entry into active service and Oct. 4, 1945 as date of separation. Under summary of military occupations it says:
Heavy Weapons Noncommissioned Officer
Supervised and coordinated the activities of a 81mm mortar crew of sixteen men in combat in New Guinea. Was directly responsible for the safety and welfare of his crew. Selected positions for weapons, taking advantage of cover and concealment, and furnished firing data, such as range to enemy targets and deflection, to weapons crewmen. Served as a heavy weapons observer with af forward unit engaged in combat during which time he fired every weapon in action against the enemy, that is used by an infantry regiment.
Have a good night.
Lefty